Tottenham risk top six failure as slow transfer window leaves Spurs behind rivals - Opinion
Tottenham’s slow start to the transfer window is starting to raise serious concerns, with their lack of urgency potentially setting them back in the top-six race before the season even begins.
The summer transfer window has been open for close to a month now, and for teams across Europe, this has allowed them to strengthen their squads in good time, ensuring that key additions get to work with their managers ahead of pre-season.
Tottenham Hotspur are no different, as they have completed the signing of three players so far this summer. Mathys Tel’s winter loan was made permanent after Spurs negotiated a £29.5 million fee, Kevin Danso’s £21 million obligation to buy was triggered, while young Japanese centre-back Kota Takai is close to joining from Kawasaki Frontale in a deal worth £5 million.
While these technically count as summer business, only one of those players is a genuine new arrival, with both Tel and Danso already integrated into life at N17, having spent the past six months at the club.
Regardless, Tottenham still have work to do in the market. Multiple reports claim that Spurs are targeting five new additions this summer, with several areas of the squad in need of bolstering.
Tottenham missing out on top transfer targets as rivals press ahead
While such reports might bring a bit of hope to Tottenham supporters, who are desperate to see their side compete properly this season, the club’s current approach in the market does little to inspire confidence.
At present, Spurs continue to fall short in their pursuit of key targets. Liam Delap has opted for Chelsea, Johnny Cardoso is closing in on a move to Atletico Madrid, Bryan Mbeumo appears to favour Manchester United, and Eberechi Eze is now attracting serious interest from Arsenal.
Tottenham have also reportedly withdrawn from talks for Antoine Semenyo, with Bournemouth’s £65 million asking price deemed excessive, even though there are suggestions Spurs are in the market for a marquee addition.
This string of rejections does not reflect well on Tottenham’s recruitment strategy, and it paints a worrying picture ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Spurs risk falling behind with slow transfer strategy
With no flurry of major arrivals yet confirmed, it points to a familiar pattern at Tottenham – poor planning, unclear ambition, and questions over funding.
Tottenham have rarely acted swiftly in the market. Last winter was a prime example, when injuries left the squad threadbare, yet the club delayed most of their business until the final days of the window, having already missed out on top targets.
It is a habit that speaks volumes about a board that fails to prepare properly for transfer windows. Tottenham are not in financial distress. There are reports that Spurs could spend £250 million and still remain within PSR limits.
Some outlets suggest that Spurs would require a cash injection from their owners to complete key deals, as Tottenham still owes £330m in unpaid transfer fees despite the Champions League windfall.
That should not be a problem for Daniel Levy and his team, who continue to generate significant revenue from non-footballing events at the stadium, yet there has been no significant financial backing for the squad so far.
Spurs persist in approaching the market like a mid-table side, targeting top players while refusing to meet their wage demands. Bryan Mbeumo’s preference for Manchester United likely stems from the superior salary package on offer at Old Trafford.
Such a cautious and conservative approach is clearly hampering Tottenham’s ability to compete, as the club continue to delay in search of cheap, perfect solutions that do not exist.
This lack of urgency could cost Tottenham dearly. Clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City have already made major moves, giving their new arrivals ample time to settle in before the season kicks off.
Liverpool and City, in particular, have laid the groundwork for title challenges by moving decisively in the market. Some may argue that Aston Villa and Newcastle United have also been quiet, but those clubs are already settled on the pitch, with stronger starting line-ups and a clear tactical identity.
Tottenham, who finished 17th last season, cannot afford to adopt the same passive approach. They need to act with greater intent, because if they fail to strengthen in time, they could find themselves playing catch-up once again, watching the rest of the top six pull away while their own new signings – if they arrive at all – scramble to adapt.
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